Bling Quartet: The Art of Tuning

Stylish, reliable and frighteningly quick, these four cars represent a new standard in tuning.

This was a shared philosophy among all of our tuner participants for this comparison test, and it seems to be a universal theme of any aftermarket enhancer worth its salt. Beyond this commonality, each of our esteemed guest tuners has a unique vision in the pursuit of post-production car optimization. Here are a few highlights.

D3 Research & Design

While Cadillac uses the term "Art & Science" to describe its current design philosophy, the phrase aptly fits the tuning work undertaken by D3, as described to me by the company's Sales & Marketing VP, James Gill. For example, designers handcraft body parts from clay to capture just the right aesthetic, check for precise fitment to the car, and produce the finished product utilizing the latest carbon-fiber/honeycomb layup technology for optimal strength with minimal mass — D3's upcoming composite fenders, hood and rear decklid for the CTS/CTS-V are a whopping 80 percent lighter than their stock brethren.

Another D3 strong suit is its new supercharger for Cadillac's already-excellent direct-injected 3.6-liter V-6 engine. Developed in-house, this blower is very compact (fits with room to spare under the standard hood). Even though it is lightly boosted (running at about only 4.5 psi of boost), the engine is still very efficient, producing in excess of 400 horsepower. With this engine soon becoming the preferred V-6 unit of choice across the entire GM brand line — including the upcoming Chevrolet Camaro — this Signal Hill, California-based tuner may find itself very busy indeed.

D3 provides parts and accessories for virtually every Cadillac model.

"Our unparalleled focus is on providing the highest quality for the Cadillac brand of vehicles. We offer various packages which will enhance the driving experience to whatever the customer desires." — James Gill, D3 R&D, VP, Sales & Marketing

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Spoon Sports

You've heard the phrase, "Don't sweat the small stuff"? Well, Tatsuru Ichishima, president & CEO of Spoon, evidently begs to differ. For him, optimally tuning a Honda or Acura begins with the detail work. Before the company replaces stock systems like the suspension, brakes or anything under the hood with its own high-performance parts, Spoon first addresses mechanical drag by replacing transmission and engine fluids (even wheel bearing grease!) with freer-flowing lubricants. Gearsets within the gearboxes are then hand-polished for improved smoothness of operation and tactile input to the driver.

Throw lighter carbon-fiber bodywork and other featherweight componentry into the equation (to the tune of a total weight reduction of more than 200 lb. on the Spoon Acura NSX) and this collective adds up to a supremely satisfying driving experience on both road and track. Spoon works with every Acura/Honda OEM parts manufacturer based in Japan in the development of its upgrade part offerings to maintain the highest quality — the tuner makes improvements in the design of the bits, the OEM builds them to its spec.

Spoon has a nearly telephone-book-thick parts and accessories catalog for numerous Acura and Honda vehicles available in North America.

"I believe in cars that are well balanced. The main thing about cars and driving is that they should be enjoyed, and that's how I approach every one of my projects." — Tatsuru Ichishima, President, Spoon Co., Ltd.